Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera officially resigned his county seat Monday and was then sworn in as the U.S.’s new ambassador to Panama in a packed commission chambers. The next day, Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez announced the creation of a web portal for residents of District 6 to express intros and submit the necessary documentation to be considered as a potential appointment, which means he could be leaning toward that route rather than having a special election (more on that later).
The Miami-born Cabrera — a Florida International University graduate — thanked his family, friends, the employees of Miami-Dade, his District 6 team and his colleagues for their support, partnership and encouragement since he was elected in 2022. The chambers was packed.
“It’s not even a budget meeting,” Cabrera said as he took the podium right after he was sworn in by Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, where he swore to defend the constitution of the United States. “I’m not sure if you’re here because you like me or 
because you can’t wait for me to leave,” he joked.
It was probably a little of both.
Cabrera, who served as Florida state director for both the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign in 2020, thanked President Donald Trump and Congress for their trust and said he was committed to the president’s “purpose of restoring strength, respect and purpose to America’s role on the world stage.” He also said he would guided by the question Secretary of State Marco Rubio has as a criteria on foreign policy: “Does this policy make America safer, stronger and more prosperous?”
Read related: Kevin Cabrera tapped as Panama ambassador; so who will replace him?
“That’s a question that will guide me daily,” Cabrera said. “I also carry with me the values I upheld during my time in local government — accessibility, accountability and a focus on getting things done. Those values were not just talking points. They were the foundation of our work.”
He mentioned some of the things he was proud of — opening district offices and establishing mobile office hours, resurfacing streets, traffic calming measures, securing millions to combat crime, modernizing traffic signals and more — since he was elected in 2022.
‘Though I may be serving abroad, Miami-Dade County will always be home,” Cabrera said, before the crowd erupted in cheers and applause as he walked over and hugged his mom.
Rodriguez, who introduced him, said the diplomatic appointment “of one of our own to such a vital position is a point of pride for our entire community” and lauded Cabrera, his friend, for what he had accomplished in such a short time.
“Serving others is his calling. He listens, sometimes,” Rodriguez said to laughter. “He has earned this moment through years of 
tireless dedication and I have every confidence he will approach this next chapter with the same integrity and strength that brought him here to this county commission.
“A lifelong public servant, a thoughtful leader and a true bridge builder, Kevin brings not only deep experience to this role, but also a genuine commitment to diplomacy, rooted in respect, partnership and purpose,” Rodriguez added.
Read related: Who has the best hair? Miami-Dade’s Anthony Rodriguez or Kevin Cabrera
The U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of Cabrera — made in December when Trump praised Cabrera’s service regional experience. “Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin,” — last week.
Nine days earlier, Cabrera had time to cut the ribbon on the newly enhanced Brothers to the Rescue Memorial Park at 2420 SW 72nd Ave., which is one of the region’s most popular recreational spaces for baseball and softball, with new ADA-compliant bleachers and walkways, updated fountains and new lights and security fencing, among other enhancements. It was named in honor of individuals who risked their lives — and four of them were shot down and killed over international waters by the Cuban government in 1996 — to help Cuban-American rafters survive the crossing of the Florida Straits.
Cabrera, who was born to Cuban exiles, pitched a ball right over home plate to the delight of what looks like hundreds of kids on a county video posted on Facebook.
“I’m excited to be here at Brothers to the Rescue Park in District 6, one of the few baseball parks in Miami-Dade,” he said, thanking staff for their work and crediting residents and the baseball league associations for bringing him concerns.
“And here you see government in action.”
Wait a minute. Doesn’t he have to pack? What does one pack to go to Panama to be the U.S. Ambassador, anyway?
“Guayaberas and suits,” Cabrera, who is leaving at the end of the month, texted Ladra after telling her that he couldn’t do interviews without coordinating through the embassy. Oooh, lah, lah.
Read related: Does Miami need another airport? Commissioner Kevin Cabrera asks
Cabrera has also gotten a ton of congratulations he has to answer with digital thank you notes. Or his mom will get pissed.
“Congratulations to my dear friend @KMCabreraFL on being confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Panama,” Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart exclaimed on his social media. “Kevin is a true patriot and dedicated public servant committed the cause of freedom in our region, and with a clear understanding of putting America’s interests first.
“The United States and Panama share a strong, strategic partnership rooted in democratic values. As a key player in combatting mass migration, narcotrafficking, and authoritarian regimes, Panama is vital to regional stability. There is no one better suited to 
advance our national security interests and strengthen this critical alliance.”
It’s interesting that nobody — not Rodriguez, not Cabrera, not Diaz-Balart — said anything about taking over the Panama Canal.
It was also missing from Cabrera’s online video message, which was also posted last week.
“Serving as your Miami-Dade Commissioner has been the honor of a lifetime. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together because every project, every initiate and every step we took was about one thing serving you the people of Miami-Dade County,” Cabrera said in the recorded video.
“We prioritized the safety of or streets and neighborhoods, installing traffic calming devices and lowering the speed limit to 25 mph indoor neighborhoods and your parks, while resurfacing over 60 miles of roadway and repairing countless potholes,” he said. “As chair of the Miami International Airport committee, we’ve made investments of $9 billion to modernize our airport. These upgrades will improve infatsructiure elevate the travel experience and help ensure our airport remains a world class gateway for this region.
“And through it all we’ve stayed close to the people, solving thousands of constituent services and hosting mobile office hours and town halls bringing our government directly to you.
“Now, as I prepare to serve our ratio as the us ambassador to Panama, I will carry with me these values that guided us every step of this journey — accessibility, accountability and results,” Cabrera said. “Miami-Dade County wil alwasmys be home.
“It’s been an incredible journey. Our work made a difference, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
Miami-Dade’s Kevin Cabrera leaves for Panama, county gets set to appoint added by Ladra on
View all posts by Ladra →
